MIP Charges

[tlandis03]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oregon.


4 friends and I were at the beach where we got stopped by a police officer because one of our friends had an open container. After stopping us, he asked the people who did not have alcohol if we "had a few" in which we responded by saying yes. After awhile, he cited all of us for minors in possession of alcohol. I was wondering if we could argue that "had a few" was a very vague statement in which we did not know what he was implying. I am wondering if we could possibly get out of this ticket because I did not know what he actually meant by "had a few" and if that could legally hold up in court.

Also, he cited me with minor in possession of alcohol, where I did not actually possess any alcohol on me at the time.

[adjusterjack]

You don't have to have actually possessed alcohol at the time of the citation.

Read the statute:

http://law.justia.com/codes/oregon/2...ction-471.430/

"Personal possession of alcoholic beverages includes the acceptance or consumption of a bottle of such beverages, or any portion thereof or a drink of such beverages.

You admitted to having consumed alcohol.

Don't think that any judge will believe that you don't know the meaning of "had a few."

I suggest you hire yourself an attorney.